THE WAG magazine

an informative, entertaining read about dogs & their companions SUMMER 2022

THE WORLD OF CBD

COOL SUMMER GEAR

Laws THAT IMPACT YOUR PET

Teeth

Cleaning Without Anesthesia

Gabriel's ANGELS AND MORE...

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Ihope this finds you and your four-legged friend(s) well and enjoying the slower pace of this warm, Summer season.

On the flip side, THE WAG has been extremely busy putting together a jam-packed read for you to kick back and enjoy. We hear how much you enjoy the variety of content we provide, and this issue is certainly no exception.

Like our cover girl? Her name is Fizzy and she was most cooperative, and excited, to share her story with everyone on page 7. We’ve dipped our paws into the latest laws that impact your pet (page 22) in hopes not only to make you aware of what some of the laws and regulations are, but also to let you know how YOU can make a positive difference for animals just by making a phone call, writing a letter, or offering to volunteer. We’ve also revisited the ever-growing world of CBD (page 16); and if you’re not up to speed on what it is or how it is used, this is an article you won’t want to pass over. Gabriel’s Angels, an organization that matches dogs with at-risk children, is featured (page 14); and learn about the unlikely, but real, romance between a Dachshund and a deer in our Touching Tails (page 28). Chew on This covers dental cleaning without anesthesia (page 12); and CJ Anderson is recognized for her countless contributions to the canine population, veterans, and communities (page 20). All of that and still there’s more.

Please patronize our advertisers; do what you can to support our local rescues; and when you have a minute, drop us a line. We love hearing from you!

Wishing you a sensational Summer,

Penny Lex, Editor & Publisher penny@thewagmagazine.com

an informative, entertaining read about dogs & their companions

SUMMER 2022

Volume 6 Issue 3

PUBLISHERS

Gary Lex

Penny Lex

EDITOR

Penny Lex

DESIGN Amy Civer

PHOTOGRAPHY

Vicky Cummings

PROOFREADING

Sue Maves

ADVERTISING

Penny Lex Sue Maves

WRITERS & CONTRIBUTORS

Teresa Bitler

Dave Clark

Cherese Cobb

Brianna Lex

Penny Lex

Jodie Gruenstern, DVM, CVA

Kelli Treviranus

DISTRIBUTION

Times Media

Animals & Humans in Disaster/ Empty Bowl Pet Food Pantry

SUBSCRIPTIONS

$20/year (4 issues)

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IDEAS AND COMMENTS

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penny@thewagmagazine.com

thewagmagazine.com

THE WAG magazine is published quarterly by Lex Ventures, LLC

14870 N. Fayette Dr. Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

THE WAG magazine

WAG mag

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Printed in the U.S.A.

The publishers and editor of THE WAG magazine are not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of products, services or ideas that appear in THE WAG magazine. Advertising in this publication does not imply recommendation or endorsement by the publishers.

GREAT GIFT GIVEAWAY

This issue’s Great Gift Giveaway is a generous trio of treats and accompanying tinctures from local grower and manufacturer of hemp and CBD products, Hempful Farms. Scour this issue to find the hidden CBD paw print shown below. Then send an email with its location to penny@thewagmagazine.com. You could be the lucky winner of treats and tinctures for allergy, calming, and mobility from the Paw Puddy collection of Hempful Farms.

Drawing to be held September 15th. CBD

5

1. Max

2. Molly

3. Fitzgerald

4. Bella

5. Sparky

6. Marley

7. Lucky and Pepper

8. Murray and Django

About The Cover

Hi Everyone,

My name is Fizzy and I’m so thrilled to be on the cover of THE WAG magazine! You’re probably wondering who I am so let me tell you a little bit about myself.

I’m quite a diva (so they all say) and always thought I might be cover-girl material. Now, thanks to my people parents, Jenny Gadow and Craig Turley, who purchased the cover of this issue at a benefit for Gabriel’s Angels, my time has arrived. Ironically, it was at another Gabriel’s Angels charity event five years ago that I was up for auction and my dad raised his paddle enough times to end up taking me home.

In addition to my mom and dad, life has blessed me with two human siblings—16-year-old Darren who makes me beg for his attention (and, of course, I get it), and Zoe, 14, who’s my BFF. I also share my home with two feline brothers—Runkle and Pesto. I keep them in line and pretty much manage everything they do. Then there’s Teddy, my boyfriend. He lives down the street with his people family. We see each other on walks, run to greet each other, do our sniff thing, play a bit, then immediately anticipate our next encounter.

So…two things that people always seem to ask about are my breed and my name, so let me explain them both. First, I am not a Poodle (one need not be Parisian to relish in a full day at the salon— which I frequently do). My lineage is Bichon Frise (Spanish origin) and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (flip back to the cover and check out the ears), so I’ve been dubbed a Cavachon. Secondly, I got the name Fizzy because when I get bathed and blown out, my hair does this fuzzy-frizzy thing (which, as every diva knows, can prove to be an issue). Hence, the name Fizzy.

I’m a Gemini and one of the characteristics of that sign is flexibility in nature. And I believe I am that. Most of the time. But when weekends roll around and it comes to my fare, there is no flexibility. I demand scrambled eggs and fortunately, my dad has learned to comply.

A couple of my least favorite things? Hmmm. Well, I’m not particularly fond of toddlers. They seem to summon all the attention. And, I don’t like to drink still water. You know…water that just sits in a bowl. Call me persnickety, but I prefer my water to spew from some sort of fountain-like vessel—like the fountain that Runkle and Pesto drink out of. I do find water as it is being poured from a bottle to be acceptable though.

I smile a lot and love to wave at people. I use both arms in unison and people always get a kick out of that. And I love my brown bear that I’ve had since I first came to my home. I carry it to whichever room I plan to take a snooze in. One of my favorite activities is spending time at the beach. But I don’t go in the ocean. If I was going to, I’d need to take off the hat, sunglasses, and end up ruining a perfectly good coif. Just not worth it. When I’m not relaxing in my beach chair, I stay in shape by doing zoomies on the shore—running as hard and as fast as I can until my underside is packed with sand (one of the best exfoliants ever, by the way). But truly, my heart belongs (and I hope Teddy doesn’t see this) to my people parents—Jenny and Craig. I love them most of all. Thanks for reading my story and I hope our paths will cross one day. I’ll give you a wave and we can share a smile. That would be very nice.

Fondly, Fizzy

ALMOST THERE: A MOM + PUPS RESCUE

While it is not uncommon to find canine rescues that are dedicated to specific interests—such as a particular breed or animal size—it’s not every day you come across one that specializes in pregnant or nursing mama dogs and their puppies. Welcome to Almost There: A Mom + Pups Rescue (ATR)—delivering shelter, care, and puppies!

When founder Geri Hormel was looking for a way to make an impact in helping the homeless animal community in Arizona, she asked local shelters what they needed most. The resounding answer was, “a safe and quiet place for the mama dogs and their puppies.” And that’s just what Hormel provided.

ATR’s facility was designed and built

specifically to meet the maternity ward-like needs of its occupants. The 19 kennels are considerably larger than average shelter ones, the ambiance quiet and calm, and there’s a quarantine area to minimize spread of illness. “Depending on the size of litters, we could have anywhere from 50–150 dogs at any given time,” said Annie Verderame, Director of Communications.

Operating with 462 volunteers and 21 part-time, paid, staff members, a host of staff (doggie doulas, so to speak) are trained on caring for this specific population. They provide care during labor and delivery, as well as tube feedings, bottle feedings, and vaccines.

Dogs that are deemed adoption ready have been spayed/neutered, are up to date on vaccines, de-wormed, microchipped, and have had some general training. Adoptions are appointment based. Upon completion of an online form, the contents are discussed with a trained adoption manager. Verderame explains, “We go over everything adopters need to know from feeding to training, provide

resources for support, and make sure when they leave our facility, they are in the best position to give the dog a loving home life.”

Since it began in 2013, ATR has saved, vaccinated, microchipped, spayed/neutered almost 2,000 dogs. Monetary donations to the 501(c)(3) are always needed. “We apply fiscal gifts towards our most pressing needs at the time like emergency vet bills, urgent repairs, or whatever other surprises the wild world of rescue throws our way,” Verderame said. “There are many ways to support ATR, and we humbly ask our community to give what makes the most sense for them—whether that’s time, money, supplies, etc. We appreciate that support comes in many different forms and are grateful to our many supporters who make this lifesaving work possible.”

2611 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, Arizona 480-336-9860

Almostthererescue.org

Monday–Friday 11 am–8 pm

Saturday–Sunday 8 am–8 pm

Mealtime as mama enjoys the comfort and security of her shelter

They provide care during labor and delivery, as well as tube feedings, bottle feedings, and vaccines.

Cool Gear FOR A HOT SEASON

Ensembles are good!

Ideal for dogs that want to look hot while keeping it cool, the matching Cooling Vest/Collar by CoolerDog delivers. By using FlexiFreeze® cooling technology and targeting the belly and neck (locations where veterinarians find cooling to be effective), core body temperatures are reduced to help keep your pet safer and more comfortable.

From $29.99, coolerdog.com

The nose knows

My Dog Nose It! was created to keep your best friend safe from the environment they love to play and be in! Completely natural and water resistant, this paraben-free sun protector soothes and heals by adding moisture to any unprotected area. Safe to use on any Fido or Fifi. $12.95, mydognoseit.com

Hydrate with a bit of the bubbly!

Keeping it cool under the collar

An innovative, convenient, machine washable, orange collar with reflective trim, the Hi-Vis Cooling Cooler Collar helps your four-legged friend keep cool, and visible, day and night! CoolerDog uses their unique FlexiFreeze® cooling technology and a durable nylon and neoprene fabric to bring down the heat for canine comfort. Includes collar and two ice sets.

From $14.99, coolerdog.com

Did you know that dogs are attracted to moving water because in nature, moving water is safer water? Designed to help keep dogs healthy, hydrated, and hygienic, the HealthSpring™ Pet Fountain provides a constant flow of filtered water and…a dental care stick to help reduce plaque and tartar. Available in 4L and 6L sizes.

From $39.99, coolerdog.com

Is Non-Anesthesia Teeth Cleaning a Good Option for Your Pet?

By Jodie Gruenstern, DVM, CVA

During my 35 years in small animal veterinary practice, I have made several observations and adjustments to my recommendations for natural pet care. As my clientele shifted from kibble feeders to raw feeders, I witnessed an improvement in oral health and a decrease in my frequency of recommending under-anesthesia dentistries. I did not see an increase in fractured teeth, even though I was recommending and selling raw bones. I believe most of the blame for fractured teeth lies with the hard, dry, smoked or cooked bones that are inappropriately prepared by well-meaning pet owners or usage of antlers sold by pet product retailers. Large dogs consuming raw diets and raw bones on a routine basis generally have beautiful teeth!

Small breed issues

I continued to see significant buildup of tartar and gingivitis in the smaller breed dogs. I believe the reason for this is multifactorial. Many of the small breeds

provided with the proper and safe raw bone size for their dentition. Lastly, many pet guardians are afraid of being bit by their little dogs when trying to look into their pets’ mouths or when attempting to brush their teeth. More education is needed.

Anesthetic risks during conventional dental prophylaxis

It is these small dogs especially who need daily home care and veterinary prophylaxis. Unfortunately, these small breeds are at the greatest anesthetic risk, so their owners often fear and refuse anesthesia, so oral and subsequently systemic health suffers. These fears are not unfounded. Yorkshire Terriers and other breeds, including some cats, are predisposed to liver shunts. This decreases their ability to properly metabolize normal doses of sedatives and anesthetics. Cavaliers and other aging small dogs are particularly predisposed to heart valve disease, which can increase anesthetic risk. The brachycephalic breeds often have trouble with intubation and recovery due to their anatomy and trouble breathing. To give the practitioner and yourself peace of mind, be sure to agree to thorough preanesthetic blood work that may identify possible risk factors and allow the doctor to adjust protocol. Even in healthy, low risk patients, the anesthetic medications and metabolic changes during the procedure can have adverse effects on the vital organs and immune system.

Anesthesia-free teeth cleaning option

cleaning.

successfully with veterinary supervision throughout the US.

are genetically predisposed to dental disease. Evidence for this is affirmed in a study of a large population of dogs where the prevalence of periodontal disease was less in larger dogs than in smaller. And second, many small dogs are not

In the human dental industry, patients receive complete dental prophylaxis annually or several times per year with no anesthesia. This is an accepted and respected practice. Why should this method not be viewed similarly in the veterinary dental industry? Indeed, there are pockets of pet hygienists practicing

These teams are not standardized. A standard would be helpful to the consumer. Most teams are very transparent and pet owners can judge for themselves the level of patient comfort during the procedure and the before and after appearance of the teeth. Owners of patients who undergo anesthesia for this procedure often have no other means to judge efficacy either. Ultrasonic scaling with water spraying is not a precursor to effective cleaning. Indeed, this instrument does not clean under the gum line.

Many human hygienists assert that effective hand scaling is the gold standard for subgingival cleaning. This can be accomplished effectively without

Pet hygienist Nicole gives a larger dog a good

Swaddling like a baby gives a calming effect.

anesthesia in many dog patients. Is high speed polishing necessary? Certainly, that cannot be done without anesthesia. Human hygienists explain that this type of polishing is for stains, not for scratches in the enamel from scaling. Most vets have been misinformed on this topic. Anesthesia-free dentistry (AFD) teams use pumice and toothpaste to “slow speed” polish teeth after scaling.

A good AFD team knows how to examine the oral cavity and when to refer for under-anesthesia procedures, such as radiographs and extractions.

Dentistry expense

Basic under-anesthesia dental prophylaxis has become cost prohibitive for many pet owners. This financial burden has caused many pet owners to just say no and let their pets’ mouths become progressively neglected. Veterinary costs and overhead are high; the anesthesia-free dental teams with their reasonable prices could be a welcome option for pet owners and veterinarians who wish to refer for more frequent, thorough professional cleaning.

Home care

What can you do at home? You’ve heard this before. Start to brush your pet’s teeth when they are very young. Get them used to it. But what if that never happened? Now what?

Dogs love coconut oil! Begin a new nightly treat game. New habits are hard to implement, but if your pet enjoys the activity, it will be much easier! Approach your resistant pet from behind or the side while snuggling on your lap. Extend a finger full of yummy coconut oil. Do this consistently every night. Purchase an inexpensive bag of gauzes from a pharmacy. Wrap a mildly abrasive gauze pad around your finger and then dip it

Dr. Jodie

into coconut oil. Massage this all over your pet’s teeth. There is no need to pry the jaws open. In fact, manipulate your hands to hold the mouth closed while pushing the lips up. Apply the coconut oil to teeth and gums. You can feel those way back molars! Don’t forget to rub over them. This is a great way to remove accumulated plaque daily. Don’t give plaque an opportunity to develop into hard tartar. Brushing thoroughly once per month is silly! Try to spend ten seconds per day removing the daily food particles and plaque before bedtime! This new habit will go a long way in increasing intervals between needed pet hygienist or veterinary prophylactic procedures.

Jodie Gruenstern, DVM, CVA, graduated from UW-Madison in 1987. She is a certified veterinary acupuncturist and food therapist, former vice-president of the Veterinary Medical Aromatherapy Association, and member of the AHVMA and AzVMA. Dr. Jodie is a nationally renowned speaker, writer, pet product formulator, and author of “Live with Your Pet in Mind.” Her practice is in Fountain Hills and she resides in Scottsdale with her “fabulous rescues.”

docjodie.com

docjodie@docjodie.com

Holistic Veterinarian Author, Educator, Speaker

Delivering the best approach for puppies, kittens and aging pets with chronic disorders.

Utilizing functional foods, herbals, and essential oils before pharmaceuticals.

• Acupuncture for arthritis, disc disease

• Laser therapy for arthritis, luxating patellas

• Non-anesthesia teeth cleaning

• Titer testing (vs over vaccinating)

• Natural Nutrition Retail Shop

• O ering an assortment of raw, freeze-dried foods

Jodie Gruenstern, DVM, CVA

Email for appointment: docjodie@docjodie.com docjodie.com

16748 E. Parkview Ave., Fountain Hills (next to Balanced Paws)

Member, Fountain Hills Chamber of Commerce

Dr. Jodie

Gabriel’s Angels

Heavenly pack delivers unconditional love to children in need

By Cherese Cobb

Sammy slumps over his desk, scribbling patches of blue sky on a piece of paper. Meanwhile, some of his secondgrade classmates wrinkle their noses at the thought of eating green eggs and ham. And others wonder why storybook character Amelia Bedelia “trimmed a steak” with ribbons and lace. Sammy is on the autistic spectrum and cannot read so his kindergarten and first-grade teachers swapped story time for Crayolas and copy paper.

When Sammy’s grandmother discovered he wasn’t learning, she quickly transferred him to another school. Sadly, Sammy’s dad is in prison. His mom also pops in and out of his life. “Sammy had given up on himself,” said Melissa Steimer, CEO of Gabriel’s Angels (GA). “He would guess at words and flip through the book Where the Wild Things Are and create a story to match the pictures of the furry, troll-like monsters.”

Then one day, a GA’s volunteer named Jean brought Angus, her 130-pound Leonberger to read with Sammy. They spelled out A-N-G-U-S and played games with alphabet flashcards. Whenever Sammy successfully sounded out a letter, Jean would shower him with compliments and he would cheer and flash a huge smile.

Unconditional love—and more

In 2000, Pam Gaber and her Weimaraner, Gabriel, founded GA: a nonprofit that inspires confidence, compassion, and best behaviors in at-risk, abused, and neglected children through pet therapy. Since then, it has served 190,000 kids like Sammy throughout Arizona.

Unfortunately, the Grand Canyon State ranks 46th in child well-being. One out of every six youth in Maricopa County is at risk of being put into foster care, according to the National

Academy of Sciences. And Native American and Black children in the greater Phoenix area are twice as likely to be abused.

“Gabriel’s Angels is driven by the guiding philosophy that the unconditional love of a dog can heal a child,” Steimer said. Registered pet therapy teams—a dog (or occasionally a miniature horse, cat, or rabbit), a handler, and a helper—visit 120 crisis nurseries, Title 1 schools, domestic violence centers, and homeless shelters. They work with children as young as toddler, all the way up to age 18. Pet therapy teams offer more than unconditional love. They teach seven core behaviors: attachment, confidence, affiliation, respect, selfregulation, empathy and tolerance. They also focus on life skills like being kind to animals.

“The pandemic created more kids that are facing mental health and behavioral challenges,” said Steimer. Last year, 120 pet therapy teams, like Jean and Angus, worked with 12,287 kids, logging in more than 642 volunteer hours. Children who engaged with GA pet therapy teams had a 95 percent increase in confidence, 87 percent increase in attachment and 86 percent increase in respect.

Sammy shares a story about cats with Angus.

Relaxed but vigilant, Caymus watches as Alyssa works on her craft.

"Gabriel’s Angels is driven by the guiding philosophy that the unconditional love of a dog can heal a child."

PHOTOS CREDIT: GABRIEL'S ANGELS

Turning a whole day around

Children who need the most love, often ask for it in the most unlovable ways. As an example, Steimer recalls how Alyssa wasn’t nice to any of the other children or counselors. As a survivor of abuse, she lived in a residential treatment center for children with behavioral problems. After the 12-year-old cut herself, she was placed in restraints.

As part of GA’s Animal Assisted Therapy Program, Michelle and her Goldendoodle, Caymus, turned Alyssa’s whole day around. Alyssa and Caymus read two books together, played fetch, and even cuddled. Alyssa wrote, “I was having a bad day at first until Caymus came. He made me feel a lot better.”

Creating the connection

Consistency is the key to success. Every other week, pet therapy teams spend an hour with the same 10–12 children. Using a $200 activity kit, they start with a bingo sheet that’s loaded with facts about the dog’s breed. “The children love being able to understand a little bit more about the pets that are coming in to help them,” Steimer said. Younger children listen to the dog’s heartbeat with a stethoscope. It helps them understand how to treat the dog and how to act around it. “They’re making a powerful connection to another living, breathing creature.”

Animals, Books and Children Program

Powered by donations from the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust to The Lemonade Bunch (a preschool class at Summit School), Gabriel’s Angels’ ABC (Animals, Books and Children) Program helps struggling readers build fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension skills. At the end of the semester, children celebrate with their pet therapy teams. They receive a certificate of completion and a reading medal. They also get a backpack full of goodies, including magnet boards, alphabet letters, picture books and a stuffed dog.

“At the end of the day, with our pets next to us, there is no judgment,” Steimer said. “When a child is suffering, having this

positive attachment to something really opens them up to new possibilities and increases their own confidence in what they’re able to do.”

Would you like to help?

If you’d like information on volunteering with GA, a 501(c) (3), you’ll find a great deal of information at gabrielsangels. org/faq/. You can attend an information session held the last Tuesday of each month. In addition, you can also mark your calendar for the annual fundraising event, A Night of PAWSabilities in Black and White, to be held on October 8th at the Arizona Biltmore. An event not to be missed! Contact Tina Lopez, tlopez@gabrielsangels.org for more information.

Gabrielsangels.org

602-266-0875

Canine Raven enjoys group activity time.

INSIDE THE WORLD OF CBD

A deeper dive into the acronym buzz

By Dave Clark

The use of cannabidiol, or CBD for short, is becoming more and more mainstream as a treatment for ailments in humans and pets. While still in its relative infancy stage compared with other treatment options, the use of CBD continues to grow and be studied at a rapid pace. Before deciding if CBD is right for you or your pet, learning more about what CBD is and what it may be able to do is a great first step.

What is CBD?

CBD is a compound known as a phytocannabinoid that is naturally produced by the cannabis plant. One hundred thirteen unique phytocannabinoids have been identified with CBD and its close relative, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) being two of the most popular.

Cannabis sativa L. and hemp are scientifically defined as the same species of plant. But for the purposes of commercial production of CBD, hemp is the plant used. Hemp has been selectively bred to enhance production of some compounds over others, resulting in a high CBD yield and a low, very low, or nonexistent THC yield. Both plants produce the same compounds, but in different concentrations.

CBD differs greatly from THC, the compound that causes the “high” for which cannabis is known. THC levels in typical cannabis (non-hemp) plants can usually range between 5–30 percent, producing “highs,” while to be used commercially, the hemp plant’s THC levels have to be at or below 0.3 percent. Both compounds have been used to treat ailments in different ways (both legally and illegally), but CBD acts without the accompanying “high” due to its very low THC content.

Three main types of CBD

There are three main types of CBD: CBD isolate, full-spectrum CBD, and broad-spectrum CBD. CBD isolate is pure form CBD and contains no other compounds besides cannabidiol. Because of this, there is no THC content whatsoever in CBD isolate. Full spectrum CBD contains all parts of the cannabis plant, including THC, terpenes and other cannabinoids. Broad spectrum CBD is

composed of less cannabis plant material than full spectrum, but still contains other compounds besides CBD.

Regardless of “type,” CBD is extracted by similar means, usually involving extraction or distillation. Solvents, lipids and/or carbon dioxide are common vehicles used to extract the desired CBD compounds.

CBD isolate tends to work best at specific doses, while full and broad spectrum CBD’s effects increase as the dosage increases. The use of isolate guarantees that only pure CBD is being administered, making it easier to gauge the CBD’s effectiveness.

Researchers have found that multiple parts of the cannabis plant working together can create a more potent effect when used to treat specific issues in humans, something known as the “entourage effect.” While this may be advantageous in humans, it’s not recommended for your pets, according to Dr. Jodie Gruenstern, DVM, CVA, a holistic veterinarian in Fountain Hills, Arizona.

“I’m a firm believer in the benefits of full spectrum hemp— that has been DNA certified as cannabis that will not produce THC—usage for dogs and cats. Adding hemp products to a pet carnivore’s species-appropriate diet and other functional foods or functional treats can decrease the need for medications such as NSAID drugs or conventional anticonvulsants. It is very important that the hemp product does not contain any THC, as this is toxic in our pets and accumulates easily as it is not metabolized the same in a dog or cat as it is in a person.”

Legal vs. illegal

According to Dr. Michael Macri, Founder/CEO of CannaRise CBD, “CBD can be found in different sources, such as black and pink pepper. But as a legal product, CBD has to come from the hemp plant,” said Macri.

In 2018, the United States passed the Farm Bill which included the legalization of hemp cultivation, based on the directive that the hemp plants contain 0.3 percent or less of THC when dry. Anything above this designation is considered “marijuana,” and therefore, illegal, according to the US federal government. Those

allowed to harvest hemp include farmers with USDA-issued licenses, those with state or tribal approval, or individuals conducting certain permitted research projects.

Drug or herb?

According to ProjectCBD.org, “It wasn’t until June 25, 2018, that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognized cannabidiol as a medicine by approving Epidiolex, an almost pure pharmaceutical CBD formulation, as a treatment for two severe pediatric seizure disorders—Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome.”

In September 2018, the DEA lowered Epidiolex from a Schedule 1 classification (considered “most harmful”) to a schedule 5 (“least harmful”), then later declassified it altogether.

By recognizing the medicinal benefits of CBD and approving it on a federal level, the US government effectively brought CBD into the mainstream as a legitimate and effective treatment for certain ailments. However, by labeling it as a “drug” rather than an “herb,” it limited its potentially much wider ranging use based on legalities and trademarks, and effectively cornered the market for the maker of Epidiolex.

Wide array of formats

CBD can be found in numerous forms and formats. One of the most popular is CBD oil. Tinctures, chews, and tablets are others. Shelf-life of the products can vary greatly depending

CBD continues on page 18

on format. As a general rule, oils and tinctures do not include preservatives, so they will not last as long as a chew or tablet; but they will last longer than alcohol-based CBD products.

The quality of the products and price point range as vastly as the cost of an automobile. Defining characteristics that will determine a product’s cost include: quality of product, how it is manufactured, labor intensity, and much more. Just like an automobile, you can get a functional ride or a luxury vehicle with all the bells and whistles. The same applies with the manufacture of CBD.

Greg Tilford, is local (Cave Creek) and world-renowned. When purchasing hemp for pets, one must trust the formulator/ manufacturer, as there are hundreds of products on the market and they are not all reputable.”

Dr. Macri expressed a similar concern. “The industry is in such high demand currently, there is not enough of the stuff. Everyone wants to jump on the bandwagon and wants to do it fast. There is no regulatory process letting you know the product you’re using is good.”

Risks

Dr. Sosnow says that although there is so much unknown within the nascent CBD industry, the product is generally well received by both humans and pets. When issues do arise, it’s usually either from consuming too much of the product or from interaction with other medicines.

Uses on pets

Just as in humans, CBD has been used to treat a wide range of ailments. From hip dysplasia to anxiety, success has been found in reducing these issues through the use of CBD. Dr. Josh Sosnow, Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer of CompanionCBD, LLC in Scottsdale, Arizona, cites three prominent uses for CBD in pets: arthritis pain, anxiety, and seizures. “We are learning more all the time and expanding usage as we gain knowledge from our various studies and experiences.”

Dr. Jodie Gruenstern finds a wide array of uses for non-THC containing CBD products.

“I use hemp for dogs and cats during the non-anesthesia teeth cleaning if needed for calming and relaxation,” said Gruenstern. “It is safely combined with a blend of skull cap, valerian, passionflower, and oat straw, and possibly California poppy if some mild herbal sedation is needed. These same options can be utilized for thunderstorm phobia and fear of fireworks, car rides, or groomers!”

“I also use a hemp complex blend from Standard Process, a company used by chiropractors for over 100 years. I have seen results in seizure patients, including my own dog, and those needing relief from the discomfort associated with musculoskeletal inflammation; for example, small dogs with luxating patellas and dachshunds with disc disease.”

Dr. Macri’s company, CannaRise, manufactures CBD products as “white labels” for over 200 different companies. “We have a 100 percent organic product,” said Dr. Macri. “Because of that, we get phenomenal results. With dogs specifically, the biggest thing we see is ‘pain reversal’; their energy goes up and they want to play. Anxiety is also often reduced.”

Concerns/watchouts

Dr. Gruenstern states that anyone considering using CBDbased products on their pet must be absolutely sure the source is reputable and trustworthy. She encourages those interested to do their research.

“I am very particular about the hemp that I use primarily in my holistic veterinary practice,” said Gruenstern. “The manufacturer,

“For the most part, CBD is very well tolerated,” said Sosnow. “Common negative side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy, but often that has more to do with the formulation than the products themselves. It may be the carrier oil, not the CBD, that may not agree with your pet. And, of course, the potential is there for a negative reaction if your pet is on other medications while taking CBD. But these negative effects are typically very short lived.”

Future of CBD

Because the industry is growing so quickly and changing constantly, where CBD will go next is anyone’s guess. However, a few things are becoming clearer each day. It seems that CBD has been found to be helpful not only on its own, but also when used in conjunction with other products. For example, the use of CBD along with glucosamine and chondroitin has been shown to have a positive effect on pets’ joints. CBD can also be used as a “contingency plan.”

“CBD is sometimes used as a second or third treatment option when the primary treatment does not yield the desired results,” said Dr. Macri.

Dr. Sosnow sees CBD, as a whole, becoming more and more accepted in the mainstream, much different than just a few years ago.

“Veterinary practice is a customer-driven industry,” said Sosnow. “Like it or not, you as a veterinarian have to answer your customer’s questions, so we vets have had to educate ourselves; we need to understand the science. The trend in the last two years is that more vets are becoming aware of CBD, have read about it, have clients using and asking about it, and now many are considering incorporating it into their treatment plans. There’s been a shift in both the science and utility of CBD.”

Although CBD may be a great new treatment option for your pet, realistic expectations should remain in place. “While CBD has a lot of potential benefits, it’s not a panacea, nor a cure-all,” said Dr. Sosnow. Those considering using CBD for their pet need to talk to their veterinarian and know how to appropriately dose it based on the science, not based on the marketing.”

Dave Clark is a full-time musician, author, and journalist. He lives in Fountain Hills, Arizona, with his wife, daughter, two dogs, cat, two crested geckos, and a bearded dragon.

Those

considering using CBD for their pet need to talk to their veterinarian and know how to appropriately dose it based on the science, not based on the marketing.

CJ ANDERSON PROOF THAT EVERYONE CAN DO SUMTHIN’

By Penny Lex

Well known throughout the state for her involvement in the pet, disaster, and veteran communities, CJ reflects on two situations early in her life that she says influenced her to become the woman she is today. One, as a little girl shopping with her mother, she cried out, “Mom, what is that?” pointing to a woman’s artificial arm. Totally embarrassed, her mother quickly hustled her out of the store. “I can see now how all my life I had been influenced to stay away from “those kind of people” because I didn’t know how to talk to them. How funny is it that now, about 60 years later, I became one of those people.”

Then there’s the story of CJ’s mother who, although she was very ill and with a short while to live, rescued a pregnant Chihuahua on the way home from a doctor appointment. “My mom would, sick as she was, drag herself out of bed to cook chicken for Pixi, take her to the vet, and take care of the puppies.” Eventually, Pixi passed and one week later, so did CJ’s mother. “I knew without that anchor to keep her here, mom chose to join all the dogs she saved on the other side.” CJ volunteered with Hospice of the Valley for about 25 years and said, “Countless times I saw the difference having a beloved pet made to people in the last stage of life.”

In July of 2010, four women (one of which was CJ), four bags of food, and $40 started the non-profit Empty Bowl Pet Food Pantry in Phoenix. CJ served as vice-president of operations. Then, six months later, she suffered the first of four strokes leaving her wheelchair bound and unable to speak.

Following rehabilitation, she returned to Empty Bowl in 2011 where she was the last standing member of the founders. “Managing the business of a non-profit is hard work and not nearly as rewarding as the operations side that fills so many hearts,” said CJ.

CJ continued her efforts with Empty Bowl “because of the lesson I learned from watching mom with her Chihuahuas. My dogs did not care that I felt sorry for myself and wanted to stay in bed moaning about what I had lost and couldn’t do. They wanted to play, be petted, eat, and walk. They didn’t care that I was now deformed or talked funny. So, I got out of bed to do meetings, events, or service activities and you know what? Nobody cared about how I looked or sounded. And I was making a difference. For me, that is the number one agreement with the man upstairs if I was sticking around. After all, why not be a role model as a new career? That is where my favorite phrase, ‘everyone can do sumthin’ ’comes from.”

“In spite of my background doing FEMA disaster response nationally, I was shocked at the loss of my ability to overcome anything. The grief was unbearable. Even today, the only thing that distracts me from both sad emotions and physical pain is doing something. If I can do something that needs to be done

They say there are five attributes of a strong, female leader—diplomacy, ambitiousness, compassion, educated and a visionary. Take all of that, pepper it with a compelling passion for people and dogs, add a few hefty shots of infinite enthusiasm, resiliency, and commitment, and that pretty much describes Cynthia (CJ) Anderson.

Nobody cared about how I looked or sounded. And I was making a difference.

and that no one else is doing, the result is not that I physically stop hurting. It is that the pain is not important enough to notice over what I am involved with.”

CJ went on to use the nonprofit as her rehabilitation realizing that without it, she would just stay home and hide her disabilities. With 45 years working in safety, health, and disaster, both in the community and with OSHA, she shifted her focus to disasters. In 2012, CJ was asked by the Arizona State Health Department to organize and run a state-wide animal-based Medical Reserve Corp out of FEMA. She also resolved to work in the community as opposed to being a “lone wolf” nonprofit. That resulted in her involvement with the Arizona Veterans Coalition and County Stand Downs where veterans who cannot get help for themselves, can come to get services and supplies for themselves and their pets.

In 2017, the nonprofit had grown so big that the agency name was changed to “Animals and Humans in Disaster,” bringing Empty Bowl Pet Food Pantry as a dba department within. This turned the model of the typical “top-down agency” to “neighbor-helping-neighbor” by creating programs utilizing Bruce Cameron’s dog books and study guides in reading programs to help increase resiliency, pet enrichment gardening for individuals and community garden groups, wellness activities, and ongoing coalitions, partnerships, and community service activities.

Believe it or not, these are just a few of CJ’s accomplishments and current ventures. She also worked with Cesar Milan’s show, Dog Whisperer, went on to work with that show’s producer on Operation Hidden Treasures featuring Veterans on the Discovery Channel, upcoming Dog Masters and….most recently, was unanimously elected as vice chair of Governor Ducey’s Arizona State Citizen Corp Council.

If CJ sees a need, she finds a way to fulfill it. She has an abundance of resolve, a truck spilling with dog food and supplies that at a mere 5 foot tall and despite her disabilities, she manages to distribute to those in need on a regular basis.

CJ says that wellness is something we all need to be a part of. “Whether you want to join or just help, please be someone who does sumthin’. If you already do, I will see you in the field and bless you for what you do.”

And blessings to you CJ Anderson…for all you’ve done and continue to do for animals, veterans, and the community.

Interested in helping your Arizona neighborhood, community, or county? Contact CJ by texting 602-909-7153 or ceo@animalsandhumansindisaster.org or scan code.

CJ's dog, Val, relishing the adoration of his owner.

Time for a break and a hug. Cesar Milan's dog, Daddy, and CJ.

Know the Laws That Impact Your Pet

Be

By Teresa Bitler

Your dog comes with legal obligations. As his owner, you are required to keep his rabies vaccinations current and maintain his license. You also must control your dog in public and, depending on where you live, pick up his waste on walks. But that’s just the beginning. Laws and regulations can protect other people from your dog, protect your rights as a dog owner, and even protect your dog from harm.

That’s why it’s so important to be aware of the current laws regarding pets, according to Ledy VanKavage, the senior legislative attorney for Best Friends Animal Society. Existing laws and those in the works can potentially affect everything from safety measures at the facility where you board your dog to whether the local shelter has to scan for a microchip if your lost dog turns up there.

Current laws and regulations

In Arizona, the laws that apply to your dog may not be as extensive as you think. Besides rabies vaccination and licensing requirements, state law addresses animal cruelty, animal hoarding, and service animals. It also makes you responsible for injuries your dog causes and stipulates where your dog must quarantine and for how long after a bite.

But what the law doesn’t cover may surprise you. For example, while your hairstylist needs a license to cut your hair, your dog’s groomer doesn’t need one to cut his. In fact, a groomer doesn’t even need to meet certain educational requirements. On-the-job training suffices. Similarly, someone who runs a kennel only needs to pay $75 for a permit issued by the county board of supervisors. Nothing more. And, no laws regulate dog walkers and pet sitters.

Even dog rescue organizations aren’t licensed or regulated in the state of Arizona. VanKavage says that although it would be a good idea to have some oversight of rescues and shelters, you have to balance that with the fact that these are people who are trying to save animals and find them new homes.

“We don’t want it to be overly burdensome,” she says. However, she believes it would be helpful if rescues had to report statistics, such as how many dogs they rescued.

Arizona State Representative John Kavanagh (R), Fountain Hills, agrees and is considering a bill that would require shelters and rescues to meet predetermined procedural and medical standards. However, he anticipates such a bill would

Our mascot Hotel Hammy!

PET FRIENDLY, WITH DOGGIE SNACKS UPON ARRIVAL.

face opposition at the county level since it would increase the counties’ workloads.

Meanwhile, in an effort to raise the standards of rescue organizations, PACC911, Phoenix Animal Care Coalition, has established a set of Best Practices for rescues to use as a guide. Having vetted over 120 rescues, referred to as PACC911 Partners, qualifiers must be a 501(c)(3), have liability insurance, and conduct themselves in a professional manner. By adhering to those practices, as well as committing to PACC911’s Code of Ethics, Partners are then eligible for assistance and an assortment of program benefits.

What’s on the docket

Kavanagh, who spearheads much of the humane legislation within the state, already has several humane bills working their way through the legislature. The most significant—and the most likely to pass—would prevent insurance companies from denying homeowners or renters insurance coverage based on the breed of dog you own. Known commonly as the breed discrimination bill, House Bill 2323 is on the state’s dockets for 2022 and faces little opposition at this point.

“The focus should be on behavior, not breed,” VanKavage points out.“There’s no research that proves one breed is more prone to aggression than any other breed.”

She notes that breed discrimination laws passed in Nevada and New York last year were a big win for dogs, because when an owner can’t get homeowners’ insurance, they often have to surrender their pet. As a result, more dogs wind up in shelters and rescues.

Kavanagh also anticipates HB 2626 will pass this year. This bill would require animal shelters, veterinarians contracted by the state, and anyone who removes deceased animals from public lands to thoroughly scan an animal for a microchip. Currently, if your lost dog ends up at a county shelter, staff doesn’t have to scan them for a microchip. As a result, they wouldn’t be able to notify you he’s there. It’s the same when your pet is hit by a car. You may never find out what happened to him. HB 2626 would change that.

Pet owners will also want to take note of HB 2224, which would ban cat declawing statewide. Kavanagh, who co-sponsors the bill with State Representative Amish Shah (D), Phoenix, admits this bill faces some challenges, including opposition from the American Veterinary Association. However, public support could have an impact.

How to advocate for your dog

As a pet owner, it’s important to be aware of humane bills coming up for a vote in your state legislature, according to

LAWS continues on page 24

The most significant—and the most likely to pass—would prevent insurance companies from denying homeowners or renters insurance coverage based on the breed of dog you own.

LAWS continued from page 23

VanKavage. When issues that affect your pet come up, you can advocate on their behalf. She says one of the best ways to find out which humane bills are working their way through the legislative process in your state is to visit BestFriends. org/Action. You can also visit the Animal Defense League of Arizona’s (ADLA) website and read about relevant legislation under “Legislative News.” Kavanagh has his own website, humaneanimallaws.com.

To make a difference, you’ll need to first know who your two state representatives and senator are, according to the ADLA. You can find out at azleg.gov/findmylegislator. Once you know their names, reach out. Thank them for serving your district, let them know you vote in their district, and let them know you are happy to be a resource to them. VanKavage suggests volunteering to work on their behalf, because they’ll be more likely to listen to you when you have concerns about a specific bill or have ideas for a bill you’d like to see them sponsor.

Laws can have a major impact on the quality of animals’ lives, whether they end up in shelters, and their safety, according to VanKavage. By following humane bills making their way through your state’s legislature, you can affect the life not only of your pet, but animals throughout the state.

Teresa Bitler wanted to be a veterinarian until she found out how much science was involved. Today, she’s a freelance writer whose work has appeared in National Geographic Traveler, USA TODAY 10Best, and various other outlets.

WAG'S WORD SEARCH

Sniff out these human foods that are safe for your dog to enjoy. Many of them make for a good, summertime treat (just be sure to remove pits, seeds, and feed in small amounts or moderation).

WAG’S WORD SEARCH

Sniff out these human foods that are safe for your dog to enjoy. Many of them make for a good summertime treat (just be sure to remove pits, seeds, and feed in small amounts or moderation).

BSGREENPEPPERWGN

OESAEPSNAEBNEERG

CIRTKJUPINEAPPLE

FRBERSMOAYRHSEWN

FRSLPAEPLAOECAAD

OEJTNPRIDAOGTANR

NBCGRIEIRTTEURED

RKOUCASPARRNERLP

OCTOCHWTWMEPAETS

CATUEUOBEOPBTCTR

TLOSNPMLEELTEOVE

EBYRTOOBPRULRULZ

EKMEANCDECRREPLT

WIENYNEOERAIPYTB

SWKXWRGBCCNAELTQ

SIMTBDDEYYRXBSBL

Apple Orange

Peach

Pear

Cucumber

Blueberries

Strawberries

Answers on page 30

Green pepper

Red pepper

Yellow pepper

Apple Orange

Peach

Pear

Cucumber

Blueberries

Strawberries

Green pepper

Red pepper

Yellow pepper

Lettuce

Yogurt

Watermelon

Cantaloupe

Mango

Coconut

Cantaloupe

Peas

Mango

Green beans

Peas

Pineapple

Kiwi

Green beans

Blackberries

Pineapple

Kiwi

Apricot

Blackberries

Apricot

Coconut

Sweetcorn off cob

Carrots

Radishes

Sweet potatoes

Sweetcorn off cob

CBD

BOOK REVIEW

Reviewed By Brianna Lex

PET NATION By Mark L. Cushing • Avery, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC

to

a

the

of leaving your home with your dog to run errands

didn’t cross your

or yet

enough to remember when the thought of letting Fido on the furniture, let alone sleep in bed with you sounded crazy, then you may have wondered just how Americans got to this place. This place where choosing where to go for brunch is based on whether or not the restaurant has an outdoor patio that welcomes dogs. Or, letting your guests know that “Sorry, you can’t sit there, that’s Bailey’s spot” is met with complete unwavering understanding. Pets, as you may have come to find out since reading countless issues of THE WAG magazine, have become pure royalty in America. Have you noticed?

You may have asked yourself, “Just how did this come about?”

Enter Pet Nation by Mark Cushing. Founding partner and CEO of the Animal Policy Group and a Stanford honors graduate, Cushing has researched and brought together pertinent, up-todate, and usually surprising data about the love affair with animals that swept across the country, primarily in the last two decades. With chapter headings including “The Secret to Pet Nation: The Human-Animal Bond,” “The Good, The Bad, The Ugly: Legal and Political Fights Are Just Beginning,” and “Pet Health Care Will Never Be the Same Again,” Pet Nation is truthful, insightful, witty, and just as much educational as it is joyful to read (may I suggest dog snuggles at the same time?). Written just in time to include anecdotal evidence of how the Covid-19 pandemic is continuing to change and expand pet ownership. The most surprising chapter, “Dog Shortages and Canine Freedom Trains,” will offer a new scope through which one views the ever-expanding conversation surrounding the ways Americans acquire their new fur-ever friends. The dog

shortage, though not imminent, needs to be addressed soon, according to Cushing. Or else, “dogs will become a luxury item.” Backed by grounded research and figures, the reader need not fret about how to feel towards any of the thought-provoking information shared in the book. Cushing has worked for years on pet advocacy at all levels and offers many solutions for making life better for animals and the humans with whom they share their lives.

Pet Nation is a story about what changed within us that allowed pets to climb to the top of the social ladder. As Cushing puts it, “Pets aren’t a fad. They are more like the medicine America needs now for individuals and communities to feel better, and to do better.” The book honors not only the human-animal connection but also the altruism every pet owner knows to be true about them. Pet Nation is still young and there is much left to be done, but with the help of advocates like Cushing on the scene, we are sure to see success for all pets and people and their relationships with the rest of the communities around them.

If you’re old enough

remember

time when

thought

simply

mind,

older

Love At First Sight

By Kelli Treviranus

We moved into the Mountain Club in Spring of 2019 from Scottdale. As you probably know, Mountain Club is in the Prescott National Forest. On our property we have many, many wild animals that come and go daily—deer, javelina, bobcats, and even an occasional mountain lion.

Penny, our baby girl Dachshund, barks at the deer like crazy EXCEPT for one deer, we call “Boyfriend.” This deer comes by almost daily, by himself, and just stares at Penny. Penny stares back through our ranch fence. It is the sweetest thing ever! They just love each other— hence LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT. We look forward to seeing this each day and it never gets old.

RESCUE EVENTS & DOGGY DOINGS

Looking to find your fur-ever pal? Or, maybe just nosing around for something fun to do?

Check out these Rescue Events and Doggy Doings. From adoption events to agility—dock diving to even channeling your inner artist—there’s always something going on for dogs and dog lovers. If you have an event you would like us to include in an upcoming issue, just send a note to penny@thewagmagazine.com with “EVENT” in the subject line and provide the basic details as you see below. While we would love to publish all dog-related events, due to limited space, priority will be given to events involving rescue, adoption, and fundraising.

JULY – SEPTEMBER

SATURDAYS

Adoption Event

Petco 11:00 am–1:00 pm

Frontier Village 1931 E. Highway 69 Prescott, AZ

United Animal Friends 928.778.2924 unitedanimalfriends.org

Adoption Event 1st and 4th Saturdays

PetSmart 10:00 am–2:00 pm

7077 E. Mayo Blvd. Scottsdale, AZ

Four Peaks Animal Rescue 480-471-3520

Fourpeaksanimalrescue.org

Adoption Event 3rd Saturday

Karsten’s Ace Hardware 10:00 am–2:00 pm

28220 N. Tatum Blvd, Cave Creek, AZ

Four Peaks Animal Rescue 480-471-3520

Fourpeaksanimalrescue.org

SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS

Adoption Event

PetSmart 10:30 am–2:00 pm

6632 E. McKellips Rd. Mesa, AZ Valley of the Sun Dog Rescue 480.228.0126 valleyofthesundogrescue.org

JULY

9 Toyota Pet Adoption Event

Cashman Park 10:00 am–12:00 pm

Toyota Pet Adoption Event

Toyota of Surprise 11:00 am–2:00 pm

13543 N. Autoshow Ave. Surprise, AZ

SEPTEMBER

24 Cars & Canines Adoption Event

Cashman Park 10:00 am–12:00 pm

D Pet Hotel 7:30–9:30 am

15060 N. Northsight Blvd. Scottsdale, AZ #LovePup Foundation

MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW Annual Fundraising Events

OCTOBER 8

Gabriel’s Angels

A Night of PAWSibilities in Black & White Arizona Biltmore

NOVEMBER 13

PACC911

Glimmer of Hope

Hilton Scottsdale Resort and Villas

WAG'S WORD SEARCH

Sniff out these human foods that are safe for your dog to enjoy. Many of them make for a good, summertime treat (just be sure to remove pits, seeds, and feed in small amounts or moderation).

WAG’S WORD SEARCH

From puzzle on page 26.